Feed Your Soul

This day in age life is hectic. We have e-mail, voicemail, Facebook, Twitter, house phone, cell phone, work phone, etc. It seems almost impossible to hide and get away from all the interaction. I like people and I like to talk, but when I go home I want to be left alone. On the weekends I only talk to my parents and my daughter and that is it. I become a bit of a recluse and prefer it that way.

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By Erin Pennington

The Carmi Times - Carmi, IL

By Erin Pennington

Posted Jan. 31, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Updated Jan 31, 2013 at 2:55 PM

By Erin Pennington

Posted Jan. 31, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Updated Jan 31, 2013 at 2:55 PM

This day in age life is hectic. We have e-mail, voicemail, Facebook, Twitter, house phone, cell phone, work phone, etc. It seems almost impossible to hide and get away from all the interaction. I like people and I like to talk, but when I go home I want to be left alone. On the weekends I only talk to my parents and my daughter and that is it. I become a bit of a recluse and prefer it that way.

My daughter teases me and tells me that I could probably live isolated on top of a mountain and be okay. Sometimes I have to agree. In order for me to give 100% to my students during the week, I have to unplug on weekends. I have to recharge my batteries.

Unlike a lot of people, I have a tremendous amount of time to myself, but even when I didn't, when Taylor was small I found a way to feed my soul or nourish my spirit. However, I am fickle. I have to be in the mood for whatever the activity is. If I feel like sewing all day, I do, then when I am done, all of my stress is gone and I feel like a new me. If I take a nap for about an hour and do as my parents call "clear my mental computer," then I am up and ready to go again. I love to bake. I guess because it requires total concentration at the time you are doing it.

Sometimes, just going for a walk helps me to unwind. Or I might spend a couple hours at the gym to sweat out all my concerns. A southern friend of mine tells me I am wound up "tighter than a banjo string." He might be right. So to cure that problem, I like to hang out with my nieces and nephews on Saturday or Sunday. We laugh a lot and that always releases any tension. Once in a great while I go and get a massage or maybe get my nails done for a special occasion. If nothing else, taking a long soak in a bubble bath while listening to some relaxing music will do the trick. All these little acts help me to feed my soul, release stress, and suit up for the next week.

Ultimately, life is too short to go around a pent up, stressed out mess. You are no good to anyone when you can't be there for them and their needs. Find a way to feed your soul and not only will you be better off, but you will have more energy and love to give to those around you.